The major in biology centers on a core of courses that emphasize broad unifying principles. Available electives provide enriching experiences in many areas of biology.

The Department of Biology offers two undergraduate degree programs with six concentrations within the B.S. degree:

The B.S. in BIOLOGY: GENERAL CONCENTRATION can be individually tailored to provide the skills that students need to achieve their career goals. This program also provides the basic preparation needed for entry into graduate or professional schools, including physical therapy programs.

The B.S. in BIOLOGY: CELL and MOLECULAR concentration offers the student a strong background in both biology and chemistry. Emphasis on lab-oriented courses prepares the student to pursue a career in laboratory research in cell and molecular biology at industrial, medical, academic, and government facilities. This program also prepares the student for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, graduate, and professional schools.

The B.S. in BIOLOGY: ECOLOGY and CONSERVATION concentration provides an opportunity for interested students to obtain a strong background in field biology and the conservation of natural systems. The required core curriculum and concentration electives provide opportunities for careers as biologists in state and federal environmental agencies, industry, and environmental consulting firms, as well as graduate work in ecology and conservation. Internships are strongly recommended as part of the program. Course work emphasizes skills obtained in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Additional course work from other departments may be recommended to fulfill particular career objectives.

The B.S. in BIOLOGY: MARINE SCIENCE concentration provides the opportunity for interested students to obtain a strong educational background in marine biology and other topics in a field that stretches from marine organisms to biotechnology and even oceanography interests from the coastal waters to deep oceans. The required core curriculum and electives will allow students the opportunity to draw on educational resources at West Chester University and marine field stations, such as the Wallops Island Marine Science Consortium in Virginia. Course work emphasizes techniques in biological sciences, oceanography, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Field and laboratory courses form a strong foundation of this program, and students are encouraged to engage in directed research projects or internships.

The B.S. in BIOLOGY: MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY concentration offers students the opportunity to enter the field of laboratory medicine with emphasis on the techniques and instrumentation used to evaluate disease processes. This concentration allows students to complete the necessary general education and departmental requirements in three years. The fourth year is spent in a hospital internship training program at one of the several affiliated hospitals, and students receive 26 semester hours of credit for the internship year (BIO 407 and 408, Internship in Medical Technology). To qualify for the internship, students must have a 2.75 GPA and be accepted by an accredited hospital medical technology program. Students completing the internship will receive a B.S. in biology/medical technology concentration and the training necessary to take the national certification exam. Affiliated hospitals include Pennsylvania Hospital, Reading Hospital, and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.

The B.S. in BIOLOGY: MICROBIOLOGY concentration prepares students for careers in research laboratories, industrial and academic research, and government service in the areas of bacteriology, immunology, virology, mycology, microbial ecology, and parasitology. The program provides extensive laboratory experience with the techniques that are most useful and important to modern microbiological science. This program also provides the basic preparation needed for entry into graduate or professional schools.

The B.S. in EDUCATION—BIOLOGY is a program designed to prepare the student for a career in teaching in secondary schools. Professional certification in biology is awarded to the student who completes the program satisfactorily. Students are strongly advised to seek certification in a related area to enhance their employment potential. Such related areas include general science, health, education, athletic training, and environmental education. This program requires 126 credits for completion. See the Educator Preparation Programs section of this catalog for an explanation of related requirements.

REQUIREMENTS COMMON TO THE BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS

120 semester hours for all biology degrees except for the B.S.Ed., which is 127 semester hours

B.S. IN BIOLOGY—MARINE SCIENCE Concentration

Marine science electives (9 semester hours)
Selected under advisement from the lists below (6 semester hours are to be chosen at the 300- or 400-level from the Department of Biology approved list):
a. WCU courses: BIO 387, ESS 332
b. Cheyney University courses: SLF 330, 332
c. Wallops Island/marine field station courses: Courses are to be chosen from two or more topics including, but not limited to, marine or wetlands ecology, ichthyology, invertebrate zoology, marine mammals, ornithology, marine molecular biology, and biotechnology. (Courses completed at the Wallops Island Marine Science Consortium and other marine field stations will be approved on an individual basis and will require adviser and departmental approval.)

Minor in Biology (18 semester hours)

The Department of Biology offers a minor in biology. The biology minor requirements include the following:

Required prerequisite: BIO 110 (must be passed with a C- or better), or BIO 100 (must be passed with a grade of A or A-). These courses are prerequisites and must be completed before admission to the minor. The grades in these courses are not used in calculating the GPA in the minor and do not count toward the 18 semester hours required.

Students must complete 18 credits at the 200 level or higher for the minor. At least three credits must be in addition to the biology courses required by the student's major. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses.

To graduate with a biology minor, students must maintain a GPA of 2.00 in the minor courses, and they must meet with the minor adviser at least once per semester. At least nine credits in biology must be taken at WCU.

Internal and External Transfer Students

For an internal transfer into any biology degree program, a student must

be in good academic standing (2.00 GPA or better);

have already passed BIO 100 with an A- or better, or BIO 110 with a C- or better; and

complete the application for change of major.

For newly admitted transfer students, a student must

meet University standards for admission to West Chester University;

have a grade of C- (70%) or better if they have taken a BIO 110 equivalent; and

interview with a department representative.

NOTE: In order to receive a degree in biology from West Chester University, a transfer student must successfully complete a minimum of 50 percent of the required biology credits in the West Chester University Department of Biology.

Advanced Placement Policy

A score of three or better on the Biology Advanced Placement Exam will transfer as credit for BIO 110, General Biology.

110 General Biology (3) The concepts general to all living organisms such as cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. This course is designed for majors in biology and related scientific areas. (2,3)

204 Introductory Microbiology (4) The biology of medically important microorganisms, their structure, taxonomy, physiology, control, and host-parasite interactions. (3,2) PREREQ: BIO 100 or BIO 110 and one semester of chemistry. May not be taken as a biology major elective.

214 General Microbiology (4) The biology of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, and control; the nature and dynamics of disease and disease control; principles of food, industrial, and environmental microbiology. The laboratory will deal with microbiological techniques, isolation and identification of microbes, and water and food analysis. This course is for biology majors. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and one semester of chemistry.

215 General Botany (3) A survey of plant and plant-like organisms from bacteria to and including the angiosperms with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and economic importance. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110.

230 Genetics (3) Nature of genetic material and its qualitative and quantitative variation: recombination; interaction of gene products; regulation of genetic material; and its role in evolution. (3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and MAT 121.

259 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4) An introduction to human structure and function. Skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems are emphasized. Laboratory involves study of human development and gross anatomy of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. (3,2) May not be taken as a biology major elective.

269 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4) Continuation of BIO 259. Endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, immune, digestive, and urogenital systems emphasized. (3,2) May not be taken as a biology major elective. PREREQ: BIO 259.

270 General Ecology (3) Relationships between living organisms and their environment. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110.

275 Field Botany (3) Methods of studying plants in their natural surroundings. Use of keys, botanical manuals, and illustrated floras to identify living specimens. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 100 or 215.

307 Pathophysiology (3) An integrated study of the processes involved in the total body systemic complex as it changes from the ordered homeostatic condition to the imbalanced diseased state. The use of disease models, with clinical considerations, strengthens the concepts. (3) PREREQ: BIO 259 and 269 passed with a grade of C- or better. May not be taken as a biology major elective.

311 Contemporary Issues in Biology Teaching (3) Curricular trends in biology education, biotechnology, and bioethics are analyzed in a social context through constructive controversy. The nature of science is explored and experiential skills are honed through practical application via a laboratory-oriented, faculty-student mentoring program. (2,2) PREREQ: BIO 110, 215, 217, 230; EDF 300; EDP 250 (or graduate-level equivalents); or permission of the instructor. May not be taken as a biology elective.

312 Marine Botany (3) This course will introduce students to identifying and classifying microscopic and macroscopic algae and seagrasses from marine and estuarine habitats. Field work along the East Coast of the United States will focus on the identification and ecology of its unique marine macroflora. Topics to be covered include seaweed and seagrass structure, taxonomy and classification, reproduction and life histories, distribution and ecology, human impacts on marine plants, and the impacts of marine plants on human affairs, collection and preservation of marine plants, and production of herbarium specimen. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 215 or permission of instructor.

313 Marine Biology (3) The course is intended to provide a general introduction to the biology of marine organisms. Lectures will focus on the diversity, ecology, and adaptations of organisms living in the marine environment. (3) PREREQ: BIO 215, 217.

367 Physiology of Drug Interaction (3) An introduction to the mechanism of action of prototype drugs. The physiological alterations produced by various drugs as well as interactions between drug classes will be emphasized. (3) PREREQ: BIO 269 or BIO 468 or BIO 469.

387 Invertebrate Zoology (3) The biology of the invertebrates, focusing on common features among different groups. Physiology, development, ecology, systematics, and behavior are emphasized. Besides the traditional laboratory and lecture format, students will participate in field trips outside the regularly scheduled class time. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 217 or permission of instructor.

407 and 408 Internship in Medical Technology (13 for each semester, total of 26) A two-semester, work-study appointment with an affiliated hospital. The satisfactory completion of this internship is accepted as the senior year's work by West Chester University. This internship will prepare the student to take the National Exam for Medical Technologists. PREREQ: Students who have completed 65 credit hours in the B.S. biology general concentration should apply for this internship in the summer following their sophomore year. Students must have an overall GPA of 2.75 and approval from the Department of Biology and the affiliated hospital.

409 Internship in Biological Sciences (3-16) A one-semester, work-study appointment with a commercial, industrial, or governmental agency. Students will be supervised jointly by a professional scientist of the agency and a Department of Biology faculty member. A maximum of eight combined credits from BIO 409 and BIO 491 may be applied to biology electives. PREREQ: Biology major, senior standing, GPA of 2.5 overall, 2.50 in biology, and approval of biology curriculum committee. This course may be taken again for credit.

412 Organic Evolution (3) An introduction to the general concepts, processes, and mechanisms of evolutionary biology from molecular, organismal, and population perspectives. PREREQ: BIO 230 plus nine hours of biology courses.

414 Applied and Industrial Microbiology (3) This course traces both the historical and current applications of microbiology in industry and society. Topics covered include building and equipment design, microbiological safety, fermentation, waste treatment, compost, and food production. The course also features guest lectures from several practicing microbiologists involved in industry. PREREQ: BIO 214 or permission of the instructor.

421 Cellular and Molecular Biology (4) A lecture and laboratory course that studies the molecular basis of cellular life. Eukaryotic cell structure and function will be emphasized. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 220, BIL 333, and CHE 232.

428 Animal Histology (3) A study of the microscopic structure and function of vertebrate tissues and organs. (2,2) PREREQ: BIO 110 and 217, or permission of the instructor.

431 Molecular Genetics (3) A second course in genetics, covering the molecular biology of genetic events. Emphasis will be on the molecular details of basic genetic processes, such as DNA replication and transcription, RNA translation and protein synthesis, the genetic code, molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, and an introduction to "biotechnology." (3) PREREQ: BIO 230 and CHE 232.

435-438 Course Topics in Biology (1-3) Courses in this series are of timely interest to the student. Topics may include biological terminology, laboratory techniques, mycology, etc. Open only to junior and senior science majors. This course may be taken again for credit.

452 Parasitology (3) Biology of the principal parasites of man and domestic animals. Emphasis is on life cycles of common parasites, identification of diagnostic forms, and understanding the diseases associated with parasites of major economic and medical importance. (3) PREREQ: BIO 204 or 214, and 217.

453 Marine Mammals (3) An integrated examination of marine mammals. Emphasis will be on the evolution of the group and the unique functional morphology, behavior, and physiology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians. PREREQ: BIO 217 and 12 hours of biology major courses.

454 Mycology (3) An introductory course including a general study of the biology of fungi and a survey of the field of medical mycology. (3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and 214 plus another three-credit-hour biology course.

457 Functional Animal Morphology (3) A study of the structure, form, and function of morphological adaptations in animals as examined through a mechanical, ecological, and evolutionary perspective. (3) PREREQ: BIO 217.

467 Endocrinology (3) An integrative look at the physiology of the mammalian endocrine system in the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis. The pathology associated with hormonal imbalance will be included. (3) PREREQ: BIO 217 and BIO 220 with a C or better in each, plus any 300/400 level biology course with a C or better.

469 Human Physiology (4) Theoretical and applied principles of the physiology of humans presented from an organ-system approach. Emphasis is placed on homeostatic regulatory mechanisms. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 220, BIO 230, CHE 232. May not be taken as a biology major elective.

470 Population Biology (3) A quantitative, second course in ecology, emphasizing distributional patterns and fluctuations in abundance of natural populations. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 270, MAT 121, and one semester of calculus.

471 Wetlands (3) A course designed to provide practical experience in wetlands' classification, delineation, regulation, management, and mitigation practices. The abiotic and biotic characteristics of inland and coastal wetlands are emphasized. (2,3) PREREQ: Eight hours of biology or permission of instructor.

473 Conservation Biology (3) The application of basic biological and ecological principles for the preservation of biological diversity. Emphasis will be on understanding the threats to biodiversity, the values of biodiversity, and preservation strategies including ecological risk assessment and the management of endangered species, habitats, and ecosystems. PREREQ: BIO 110, 215 or 217, and 270.

475 Plant Communities (3) A survey of ecological, morphological, and physiological strategies of plants from seed through adult stages. The integration of these strategies to explain the major plant communities of North America will be covered. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 215.

476 Freshwater Ecology (3) The environmental and biological characteristics of freshwater. Emphasis is placed on field methods, water quality evaluation based on the interpretation of comprehensive datasets, and management strategies for lakes, ponds, and streams. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 270, CHE 104.

478 Plant Evolution (3) Application of contemporary phylogenetic theory to explain the genesis of plant biodiversity. Origins of critical plant adaptations are explored with regard to time of origin, environmental conditions, and ancestry. (3) PREREQ: BIO 215 or permission of instructor.

480 Light Microscopy and the Living Cell (3) A one-semester lecture and lab course covering the theory and practical techniques of all types of light microscopy and their uses in investigating living cells. Also includes techniques such as microinjection, cell electrophysiology, and others. Strong emphasis on "hands-on" work with equipment. (2,2) PREREQ: BIO 110, BIO 215 or 217, or permission of instructor.

484 Epidemiology (3) A general study of the epidemiology of both infectious and noninfectious diseases, including industrial and environmentally related health problems. (3) PREREQ: BIO 214.

490 Biology Seminar (3) Reports on special topics and current developments in the biological sciences. PREREQ: 18 hours of biology courses and senior standing.

491 Special Problems in Biology (1-3) Tutorial course primarily for advanced undergraduate biology majors capable of independent study and research on a problem approved by the supervising instructor. A maximum of eight combined credits from BIO 409 and BIO 491 may be applied to biology electives. PREREQ: Permission of instructor; 2.50 GPA overall, 2.50 GPA in biology. This course may be taken again for credit.

SCB 102 Humans and the Environment (3) The effects of human population on earth’s resources are studied against a background of physical, biological, and health sciences. Note: Students completing SCB 102 may not take ESS 102 or ENV 102 for credit. May not be taken as biology major elective. Approved interdisciplinary course

SCB 210 The Origin of Life and the Universe (3) An interdisciplinary course that presents the theory and evidence for the first three minutes of the universe and formation of the stars, galaxies, planets, organic molecules, and the genetic basis of organic evolution. May not be taken as a biology major elective. Approved interdisciplinary course

SCB 350 Science Education in the Secondary School (3) A methods course emphasizing knowledge of curricular development and skill in planning, involving the design and execution of learning activities for all instructional modes. (2,2) PREREQ: Required core courses in science discipline and EDS 306 (or graduate-level equivalent), or permission of instructor.

SCI 101 The Carbon Cycle (3) An exploration of how the carbon cycle connects earth and life, through photosynthesis, respiration, decay, rock formation and weathering, and plate tectonics. Humans have altered the carbon cycle by burning fossil fuels. Students investigate the carbon cycle on the WCU campus and consider the implications for global warming. For elementary education majors only. Team taught with the Department of Geology and Astronomy.

SCI 102 Electricity with Physical and Biological Applications (3) An exploration of the physics of electrical circuits, the chemical basis of electricity as the flow of electrons, acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions in chemical and in living systems, the electrical activity in the human nervous system, and connections between electricity and sensation and locomotion in humans. For elementary education majors only. Team taught with the departments of Physics and Chemistry. Approved interdisciplinary course